Business Travellers at Risk

A large scale survey has reported that a third of global companies do not understand their duty of care to employees travelling abroad for business. The survey of more than 600 companies, which was conducted by International SOS, found that 95 percent had sent staff on business trips to high risk locations in the last year. Lawlessness, terrorism, political upheaval, civil unrest and pandemics were identified as among the top-20 risks faced by employees abroad.

Our Comment

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 only applies in the UK. However, under common law, companies have a duty of care to staff anywhere in the world. If an employee died on a business trip to a high risk location as result of a gross breach of that duty, a company could be found guilty of Corporate Manslaughter.  Employers should make certain that staff are insured, that they check in on a regular basis and that they have the necessary vaccinations. Companies also need to assess the potential risks of travel destinations and take appropriate measures to minimise them. An assessment might take into account, for example, whether someone is travelling alone. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) can advise on particular overseas threats. If business travellers are visiting regions known to present risks, companies may need to take extra security steps, which might even include consulting a specialist security agency.